Two-time US Open champion Rafael Nadal has kept his composure to defeat 18-year-old Borna Coric in four sets and progress to the second round of the tournament.
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The 29-year-old produced an impressive performance to overcome his Croatian opponent 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 in the first-round match.
Nadal looked comfortable in the opening two sets, breaking his opponent early on in both to assert his control on proceedings at Flushing Meadows.
Youngster Coric grew in confidence by the third set though, and broke his experienced opponent to keep the match alive.
Coric held his serve for much of the fourth set, as the momentum appeared to be shifting in favour of the youngster, but Nadal's experience proved crucial as he maintained composure to break his opponent before claiming the victory.
World number eight Nadal missed last year's tournament through injury.
Stephen Topping
